Lakers vs Grizzlies Preview: Can Los Angeles Respond After Embarrassing Loss?
This Lakers vs Grizzlies preview highlights a high-energy matchup tonight as the Los Angeles Lakers stay home to face Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies.
When these two teams meet, the intensity is always high, and both squads enter this game looking to bounce back after tough losses in their previous outings.
Both teams enter tonight’s contest coming off frustrating losses. Ja Morant exploded for 40 points in Memphis’ last outing, but it wasn’t enough, as the Grizzlies fell by three points to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Meanwhile, the Lakers are looking to bounce back after an ugly blowout loss to the Detroit Pistons, one of their worst performances of the season.
Lakers’ Effort Questioned After Pistons Loss
Los Angeles’ loss to Detroit was difficult to watch on both ends of the floor. Defensively and offensively, the Purple and Gold looked disengaged, lacking urgency, communication, and physicality.
Deandre Ayton symbolized that lack of effort, finishing the game with just two rebounds—a shocking stat line for a 7-foot starting center. For a team already struggling with consistency, that type of production simply isn’t acceptable.
While Luka Dončić had a productive night offensively, scoring 30 points and adding 11 assists, his defensive effort left much to be desired. Poor help defense, minimal lateral movement, and constant arguing with officials hurt the Lakers more than the box score shows.
Is it time to worry about Luka Doncic’s defense? 😬
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 31, 2025
Bright Spots: Vanderbilt and Hayes Providing Defensive Energy
One of the few positives for Los Angeles has been the increased minutes for Jarred Vanderbilt and Jaxson Hayes. Both players have earned more floor time due to their consistent defensive effort, energy, and willingness to do the dirty work.
However, if the Lakers want to turn things around, the intensity can’t only come from role players. The team’s best players must set the tone, especially against a scrappy team like Memphis.
Ja Morant Brings Fire — But Leadership Remains a Question
Morant is coming off one of his best performances of the season and will be looking to dominate again tonight. His speed, shot creation, and aggressiveness put constant pressure on defenses.
Ja Morant in His Last 3 Games since returning from a Left Ankle Sprain for the Grizzlies :
– 26.0 PPG
– 6.7 APG
– 61.2% FG (16.3 FGA)
– 42.9% 3PT
– 1.0 SPG
– 29.0 Minutes Per GameGoing into the new year the right way. 🧘🏾♂️ pic.twitter.com/1u4ttVeHMG
— Grizz Lead (@Grizz_Lead) January 1, 2026
That said, questions remain about his leadership. In Memphis’ last game, there were noticeable moments of complaining, pouting, and visible frustration when things didn’t go his way—whether it was not getting the ball or teammates missing shots off his passes.
As with Luka on the Lakers’ side, it’s difficult to win consistently when leadership from your star player wavers, regardless of individual scoring output.
Final Thoughts: A Measuring Stick Game for Both Teams
Despite the inconsistency on both sides, this matchup has the potential to bring out the best in everyone on the floor. The Lakers and Grizzlies find themselves in similar situations, searching for identity, consistency, and accountability.
Tonight’s game should serve as a measuring stick—and possibly an eye-opener—for players who need to correct bad habits in order to contribute to team success moving forward.
